Jefferson Transit in Gretna hosts Veterans Day program

Air Force Reserve veteran Kenyatta Jones said she will never forget the time when she failed her physical training test during basic training. "I could not get the running down for anything.” Jones, along with several other veterans, recently reminisced over their time spent serving the country, during the fourth annual Veterans Day Luncheon, hosted by Jefferson Transit in Gretna.

Severa military veterans watch a veterans tribute speech given by President Barack Obama during the recent Veterans Day Luncheon hosted by Jefferson Transit in Gretna.

Although Jones had struggles at the beginning, she managed to make it through with a little assistance. “There was a drill sergeant who was ahead of another troop and he found out that I failed my PT test,” she said. “That drill sergeant ran with me the first mile and would not let me stop. When I finished, not only did I pass, but he was there waiting for me at the finish line and that just meant so much to me, because it (military) is a family.”

Darrin Jackson, a veteran of the Air National Guard, said he also appreciated the family atmosphere. “I met a lot of friends,” he said. “I enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow servicemen.”

Army veteran, Sidney Joseph Sr., said the military helped to enhance his life. “I met a lot of exciting people and a lot of people from other parts of the country,” he said. “Serving in the military was a blessing to me, because it allowed me to be able to get on a path of bettering my life. Overall, it taught me a lot about discipline, respect and teamwork.”

Joseph said he appreciates events such as the luncheon and other events that honor veterans. “It’s good to be able to pay homage to people who were willing to make that sacrifice, so we can continue to live free and try to keep our country safe,” he said.

Jefferson Transit General Manager, Orlandez Pierre, agreed. “I’ve always had pride in our veterans and what they’ve done and what they’ve accomplished for the country through the years,” he said. “I say that every day is Veterans Day and we should make them feel appreciated and we should thank them every day for what they do. It’s just something that as a nation we have to continue to recognize.”